Author Question: Jack and Jill

Maisie asks:

My 16 year old female main character is going to jump down from something (akin to jumping from a tree branch), the ground below is pitted and sloped though, and I need her to get injured. In my mind, it would be her ankle or her wrist (from catching herself) with some minor lacerations to her face. I’ve never broken anything to know how it feels. I want the medical scene that follows to be realistic, her Mom will meet her at the hospital, it’s late at night.

What would be the steps, the healing process, pain management, any specialists, and healing time. I want her to be injured, but I don’t want her to be crippled for the entire summer (length of the novel). I want to know how the hospital scene and future doctor appointments will go, what they’ll look for, and how this is going to encumber her in her regular life

Jordyn says:

The thing to know about ankles is that they rarely fracture. 95% of the time, they are sprained. For a sprained ankle, an air splint (crutches if the patient can’t bear weight) for 7-10 days and then the patient should work themselves out of the splint at that point. If still painful– they should follow-up with their regular doctor or orthopedic doctor at that time.

It’s more likely, with your scenario of falling down a hill, for a simple break to the lower forearm.

Treatment in the ER will be x-ray to evaluate for fracture, pain medication (usually Ibuprofen suffices). These would be the same initial treatments for an ankle injury as well. If fractured, the patient is placed in a splint and NOT a cast.

Pt will follow-up with ortho in 7-10 days for cast placement. Cast is on for 4-6 weeks. There shouldn’t be any permanent damage.

Lacerations: Generally a topical numbing agent is applied. This sets in place for 20-30 minutes. Or, the patient is directly injected with Lidocaine. Wound is irrigated with normal saline. Stitched up. Antibiotic ointment over the stitches. Wound should be cleansed twice daily with mild soap and water then Neosporin or equivalent over top. Stitches to the face are usually removed in 5-7 days. Tetanus shot if the patient hasn’t had one in the last five years.